Listening to unfortunate news about an airplane crash always causes you wrench and heartache. The death barrier on a commercial airline flight is actually as low as 9 million to 1 and a lot of crashes occur in the 33,000 feet above the ground. But a research said that almost 95% of airplane crashes have survivors.
The idea of flying in a plane can bother you and break into a cold sweat. Most fears boil down to a lack of understanding, and in those situations knowledge really is power.
But what if unfortunately, you find yourself on a crashing plane, and then what can you do to stay calm and survive the crash. So, this is what you have to do as a passenger if your plane is crashing!
Before your Flight
Dress comfortably
If you avoid the accident then you have to be able to stay warm even if it is not considered. Cover your body during the greater impact because it reduces the chances of serious injury.
Wear sensible shoes.
You may want to feel comfortable or look like a professional on a flight. But sandals or high heels make it hard to move quickly in any emergency.
Choose your seat carefully
During the crash, passengers those are sitting in the back of the aircraft have 40% higher survival rates than those in the first few rows. So, it is best to get seats as close to an exit, on the aisle, and in the back of the plane.
Read the safety card and listen to the pre-flight safety speech.
Another thing you can do to overcome the fear is to read the safety card as well as listen to the flight attendants when they give their pre-flight safety tips. But if you keep your headphones on during the flight instructions or ignore them, you will definitely miss the general information about the safety.
What if your seat is not at the back of the plane?
Keep your seat belt on at all times. Keep your seat belt properly tightened at all times when you are on the plane.
Brace yourself
Assess the situation.
Prepare your space as much as possible.
If you know your plane is going to crash, return your seat back to its upright position. But stay away from the loose items that may cause of injuries. Zip up your jacket and make sure your shoes are tied tightly to your feet.
Brace yourself against the seat in front of you.
Both practical and empirical evidence show, the brace position and crash situation not only increase the possibility of surviving in an air crash but also reduce the chances of injuries.
When you do it properly, the brace position reduces the chances of injury that can hurt the head, neck, and feet. It also helps to prevent whiplash, protects you from flying around the cabin, and saves you from the flying objects.
Try to stay calm.
Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others.
You have probably heard it on every commercial flight. If the cabin becomes depressurized, you have only 15-20 seconds to put on your oxygen mask before you become unconscious.
Survive during crash
Pay attention when flight attendants giving instruction.
Flight crews are trained to know how to respond if you get trapped in any crash. Listen to them carefully and follow the instructions.
Protect yourself from the smoke.
Fire and fumes are responsible for the largest percentage of casualties in a fire. And be prepared to stay low during the evacuating or when you are on the plane.
Get out of the plane as quickly as possible.
Follow the instructions of the cabin crew. If fire or smoke is present, you have only less than two minutes to safely exit the plane. Get out of the cabin as fast as you can and as far from the plane as possible.
If the nearest exit places just behind you and easy to access, move to the rearward exit rather than move forward.
Leave your luggage.
Do not climb on the seats unless you do not find another way to out.
Studies have shown that after the plane crash, most seat Mountaineers do this because other routes are blocked and they are just roaming around the blockage.
Passengers on the last two rows can attempt to climb on their seats if the aisle is congested to get out of the exit. But, the result is that exit queue becomes more intense and takes much time to exit.
Proceed to the nearest safe exit.
Proceed to the exit for safety – Look through the window to see if any threats, fire or hazards exist or not. If so, exit in the opposite direction of the aircraft or next closest exit.
Move away from the plane.
You do not have to stand too close to the plane. Because fire or explosion can happen at any time after a crash and may cause the higher risk. So stay away from the plane.
Assess the situation.
Stay in the area.
Wait for rescuers.
Stay in one place so rescuers can find you easily. Do not wander off and look for help, or try to find something close by. So, wait for them until they arrive.
So, this is what you need to do as a passenger if your plane is crashing. Follow the instruction and make your fly high by stay fearless and safer.